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The State Education Department is considering allowing school districts to start in August, according to State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. Schools are currently not allowed to start before Sept. 1.

Elia told the
Times Union
schools have pushed to start before Sept. 1, since it would give them greater flexibility.

Elia also said the state is also considering allowing school years to be counted in hours rather than days. New York requires schools to open for 180 days, but do not count half days.